Pixbet and others resume betting operations following suspension
Major operators, including PixBet, one of Brazil’s most recognised online betting platforms, have resumed services after a recent crackdown saw the Secretariat for Prizes and Betting (SPA) temporarily suspend the operations of seven gambling companies. At the heart of this crackdown was a failure to comply with Brazil’s newly implemented reporting obligations.
Most companies complied with regulations
Of the seven, most companies have addressed the reporting deficiencies and resumed normal operations. Those that have resumed operations are Bet.Bet Technological Solutions, EA Entertainment and Sports, Pixbet Technological Solutions, Logame do Brasil, and Sortenabet Gaming Brasil. Only two, Bell Ventures Digital and Betesporte On Line Betting, currently remain suspended as of 2 June. Both companies are reportedly working to address the underlying issues, they expect a swift reinstatement soon.
As per Brazil’s newly implemented reporting obligations, operators are required to submit detailed data on user activity—information that helps regulators monitor betting trends and detect suspicious behavior. In a statement SPA said, “The lack of accurate reporting affects the safety of bettors and the broader economy, the fight against money laundering, and the collection of taxes and contributions.” Several of the affected companies provided documentation within hours of the suspension announcement.
The regulator had warned that a failure to remedy these deficiencies could result in formal sanctions against the company, in addition to any lost revenues. Offending operators could face a daily fine of R$40,000 ($7,000), the authority noted. Additionally, repeat offenders could permanently lose their licences. Brazil requires licenced betting operators to present comprehensive reports to the SPA. The comprehensive reports encompass transaction history, betting behaviors, and other operational data. The data is required to promote transparency and protect against financial crimes. It is seen as essential to ensure accountability in the newly regulated market.
Rise in user complaints
The crackdown comes at a time when Brazil is experiencing an alarming rise in user complaints. Between January and April 2025, Brazil’s consumer complaint portal registered over 1,000 reports against licenced betting sites. Many of the complaints received involve long-standing brands like bet365, Novibet, and Betano. SPA is taking the surge seriously and aims to assist authorities in identifying legitimate malpractice. The authority is working closely with federal watchdogs to verify the merit of each complaint. Genuine grievances will prompt further penalties.
As consumer trust wavers, lawmakers are tightening the reins. The Brazilian Senate has approved Bill PL 2.985/2023, introducing sweeping new restrictions on gambling-related advertising. Initially, the bill proposed a total ban on gambling ads but has since evolved into a more targeted effort to curb the promotion of fixed-odds betting promotions. The new legislation will enforce restrictions on direct advertisements, promotional activities involving athletes, artists, media, personalities, influencers, or public figures.
